In the un-regulated world of RV's, it will be a miracle to find any Lippert Recall information anywhere...
I just researched the net for about 15 minutes and found one small section that even mentions Lippert recall information. It was by accident I found that much out. None of it was related to the Pin Box.
The Lippert website shows NO recall information (go figure).
However, I did find this one article about replacing the lower jaw on the 1621 Tri-Glide Pin Box:
Can anyone tell me where the failure occurs? I have a Triglide and have sent an email to Lippert asking what action I should take but it would be nice to visually inspect my Box for any early signs of failure,
You can't easily see it until it fails. The attachment of the Glide plate to the bottom jaw fails. The Glide plate hangs down on one side of mine, and the upper surface of the Glide plate is rubbing against the jaw on both the leading and trailing corners. There are visible grooves cut into the top of the Glide plate. The Glide plate makes loud banging noises on even the softest start up or slow down.
Sounds about right. The clunking is not a pleasant thing to hear.
Please note that the above mentioned pdf is for replacing the standard jaw with a fixed plate with the jaw yo already have on so the measurements are reversed. Also, when taking the jaw off as well as putting the new jaw on, there is a need to move the jaw in a front-back motion in order to get it off. I can't remember which. Did it with some friends so it wasn't too bad a job, but be glad Lippert is paying for the replacement labor.
I am not thrilled that this is happening after i called and was told that mine sounds normal... But i am happy for the folks that will get fixed, or replaced for free... good to hear..
I have a call with Lippert's Customer service Manager planned for Monday. Will advise regarding the info he provides.
In a series of emails to a service tech at LCI I was told:
1. There is no problem with the TriGlide. The problem according to him is a lack of greasing by us as owners, primarily on the 3 fittings underneath. You know, the ones that are a b#%~* to get to.
My reply was what is the recommended maintenance schedule, how often should we grease?
His answer was there is no recommended schedule. It depends on climate and use. ??????
I asked how much grease we should put when we grease?
His reply was until FIRM.
Sounds like we are on our own on this one. No recommendations on how or when to grease kind of puts it on us. Guess I'll keep greasing every 3rd move, watch carefully and pray.
FWIW. I replaced mine last year at the Rally with a MorRyde pinbox. If memory serves, I think about 20-30 others did also. Rob and a few more owners had failures and alsmost lost the rig. I, too, called Lippert and was told the banging was normal and to grease it. I told the rep that it had been greased (all 9 fittings) since new and regularly. They offered to send the fixed plate head , which doesn't ride well. I declined.
Now have a great ride, no airbags and no concerns, and a pinbox that is rated for 24k lbs.
My opinion was/is that LCI should r place the lower plate on any Tri Glide with the Flex Air plate at no charge.
In a series of emails to a service tech at LCI I was told:
1. There is no problem with the TriGlide. The problem according to him is a lack of greasing by us as owners, primarily on the 3 fittings underneath. You know, the ones that are a b#%~* to get to.
My reply was what is the recommended maintenance schedule, how often should we grease?
His answer was there is no recommended schedule. It depends on climate and use. ??????
I asked how much grease we should put when we grease?
His reply was until FIRM.
Sounds like we are on our own on this one. No recommendations on how or when to grease kind of puts it on us. Guess I'll keep greasing every 3rd move, watch carefully and pray.
of course that was Lippert response! That is their response to everything. They always blame the customer, regardless if it's bearings, brakes, shackles, bushings, doors, frames, steps,.... They are the root cause of almost every warranty dispute. I am really glad to see Redwood may finally break some of those ties with them.
If the Tri-Glide was the Cat's Meow, HOW come they've dropped it in favor of the FlexAir??
Read some of the other RV Forums, RW isn't the only one with Tri-Glide issues. Take DRV for example, they went from the Demco Glide, to Lippert's Tri-Glide and now back to the Mor/ryde Pin Box. There must be a reason.
Just completed a good conversation with Lippert's Customer Service Manager.
He confirmed their is NO recall issued on the Tri-glide pinbox. On introducing the Flex-Air, they ceased production of the tri-glide, but will continue to support owners experiencing issues.
If existing tri-glide owners experience issues with the lower plate/king pin, as a customer service initiative they are providing complimentary replacement fixed plates. This is on a case by case basis. Please call Lippert Customer Service (574-537-8900), providing your VIN # and a description of the issues being experienced.
I asked what we should be inspecting - basically he advised that probably nothing is visible, the lower plate/king pin should feel solid. If you have sloppy movement, or it doesn't feel firm call the service centre.
He mentioned they have noted lack of greasing, especially on the lower grease nipples, has been a contributing factor in some cases. In light of a previous post, I asked about a greasing schedule, taking into account numerous variables - type of roads, climate, altitude, etc. He will work with his team to produce a definitive greasing schedule and forward, which I will post upon receipt.
I also mentioned that Lippert offers rally pricing on many products at the National Rally, but due to distance and many other factors, not every owner has the opportunity to attend a rally. I asked if Lippert could provide existing tri-glide owners a year round discounted price, for those that elect to upgrade to Flex-Air. This is not within his scope, but assured me he will take it to senior management.
Please refer all issues with Lippert components to the customer service number provided above. However, if your issue is not resolved to your satisfaction please send me a PM, with your VIN # and some history, I will contact the customer service manager and have him take another look.
To further develop the relationship, I will contact him at the next rally we attend (2018) and head over for a face to face meeting.
Andy
Thanks for the comprehensive update regarding these pin boxes. So far I have been satisfied with our Tri-Glide but have to admit I'm a little nervous about it. When we are at the rally this year, we may look at the Mor-ryde pin box if the price is right.
Thanks Jim,
Like you I haven't experienced any issues, but with the failures and discussion was getting nervous. Last summer, I applied grease about every 1,000 miles.
For DRV, it is likely a weight issue. The lightest DRV until this year was almost 22,000 lbs. That's a lot of stress for any pinbox short of a semi-tractor.
